Hands-free holding device

ABSTRACT

A device for holding portable electronics is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base having a first end, and a second end, the first end positioned on one side of the base, and the second end positioned on a side of the base substantially opposite to the first end. The base has a plurality of apertures extending from the first end, through the base, to the second end; and at least one groove configured to receive an edge of the display. The device has a plurality of flexible legs configured to pass through an aperture in the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 13/756,407 filed on Jan. 31, 2013, now pending, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/592,619, filed on Jan.31, 2012, the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to flexible hands-free holding devices, includingflexible hands-free holding devices for tablet computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of tablet computer accessory devices designed tohold a tablet computer hands-free (e.g., without the need for a user tohold the tablet computer with their hands or any other body part) and/orstationary in a variety of user situations. Of these existing devices,they can be divided into four broad categories.

Category A: This category represents devices that are generally intendedto be used on a flat surface as a stand. They comprise, general a planarsurface for contact with the flat surface and another surface projectingupward from the planar surface. Some devices in this category functionas both covers and stands.

These aforementioned devices are used to prop-up a tablet computer forhands-free use. However, the devices in this category are limited inthat they require a flat and stable surface for stability.

Category B: A second category of devices hold the tablet in an uprightposition, but without the need for a flat surface such as a table-top.In lieu of a flat surface, devices in this category are able to prop uptablets with the use of a body part of a user, such as the legs or lapof a user.

The devices in this category, unlike those in Category A, can be usedwithout a flat and stable surface to rest the device on. They usevarious body parts of the user to maintain their stability. Thelimitation of the devices in this category is that the user must remainstill to avoid movement of the device. When the body part that thedevice is resting on moves, so does the device, thus limiting the user'smovement and ease of use.

Category C: The devices in this category are able to hold tablets in anupright position while the user is in a bed or chair, without having torest it on the user's body part. This category shares somecharacteristics with those devices in both category A and B. Devices inthis category have a piece that rests on an adjacent surface and asingle arm to hold the tablet in place.

These devices allow tablets to be used while the user is in a bed or achair, without having to rest the device on a body part, however thelimitation of devices in this category is that while they allow tabletsto be used in a bed or a chair, they still require an adjacent flat andstable surface for the piece of the device to rest on or be affixed to.As such, they are not useable in situations where an adjacent stableplatform is not available. An additional limitation of this category ofdesign is that due to the mount being suspended on a single arm/leg,there is a lack of stability when typing or otherwise using thetouch-screen of the device being held; thus resulting in unwantedswaying or movement of the device.

Category D: This category addresses the limitations of all the previouscategories in terms of using tablets in a bed or chair without either aflat resting surface or having to rest such devices on a body part.Instead, they depend on rigid arms resting on a surface to supporttablets.

The devices in this category allow for a tablet computer to be used in abed or a chair without the need to rest on a body part or have anadditional flat or adjacent stable surface to rest the device on.However, the devices in Category D have several limitations.

First, the fixed plane configuration of the individual legs that supportthe device make them less than satisfactory, in terms of stability, foruse on a bed or cushioned surface—especially one that may beexceptionally uneven on the surfaces where the legs rest. This resultsin a potential tilting of the viewing angle in the left-right axis thatcannot be overcome, as the portion of the device that the tablet restson is fixed to a 90 degree angle to the vertical plane of the supportinglegs. If the legs are on uneven surfaces, then the left-right horizontalviewing axis will be tilted, resulting in a tilted viewing angle for theuser.

A second limitation of category D designs are that they do not allow fora toward-the-face viewing angle that is less than 90 degrees. Thisprevents viewing a tablet device from a head-on direction while lying ina full supine position.

Attempts to overcome these issues have been unsuccessful. Some designsadd a single-arm flexible neck which is attached to a central joiningpiece. However, the single-arm neck adds height to the whole assemblageand must be bent off center from the joining piece to place a tabletcomputer in a viewable position. This configuration gives the device ahigher center of gravity, making it less stable and more top-heavy.

Other designs attach legs to the underside of a central joining piece,requiring the legs to make a 90° vertical turn upward into the body.This configuration uses more leg length than necessary for the functionof the device. It also adds more extraneous height and bulk, making itclunky and giving it an awkward, less usable profile.

Further designs use gooseneck legs attached to the center body usingmale and female threaded ends. Given that the function of the goosenecklegs are made to be bendable into various shapes, the twisting andturning of the legs cause the threaded ends to easily loosen and twistinside of the central joining piece (i.e., become unscrewed), therebyreducing the devices functionality and usability.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention overcomes these limitations in the prior art. For example,the present invention overcomes the center-of-gravity issues caused by asingle-arm neck by mounting the tablet directly to the base, therebyeliminating the neck entirely while lowering the center of gravity ofthe unit when the tablet is mounted. As such, it is more stable thanprevious designs.

The present invention also overcomes height and bulk issues present inthe prior art. For example, by using legs that run through both sides ofthe center body, the length of the legs are decreased, no extraneousheight is added, and the number of bends in the leg decreases. As such,a more compact, stable, and usable design with a lower-center of gravityis achieved.

The present invention also overcomes the unintentional disassemblyissues present in the prior art. For example, one embodiment of thepresent invention uses two long legs coming out of either side of themounting base, giving the appearance of being 4 legs. The legs do notattach to the mounting base, but instead run through it. Thisconfiguration eliminates the need for threaded ends and eliminates thepossibility of the legs becoming detached when being moved.

The present invention can be described as a device for holding portableelectronic units having an edge. The device comprises a base and two ormore flexible legs. The base as a first end, a second end, and a secondend substantially opposite the first end. The first end and the secondend are substantially parallel to each other. The base also has two ormore apertures. Each aperture extends through the base from the firstend to the second end. The base also has a groove configured to receivethe edge of the electronic unit. The grove may extend from the first endto the second end. In some embodiments, the base also has a cutout inbetween the first end and the second end.

The flexible legs each have a first leg end, a second leg end, and acentral portion. The central portion is disposed within the aperturesuch that the first leg end extends past the first end of the base, andthe second leg end extends past the second end of the base. The legs maybe fixedly attached to the base. In some embodiments, each first leg endand each second leg end has a removable cap. The removable cap may belarger than the aperture in the base. The removable caps may also beconfigured to be a suction cup.

The base may be configured to prevent the electronic unit from moving inthe groove. In one embodiment, the base also has an elastic band. Theband is anchored to the base and configured to engage a second edge ofthe electronic unit. The band may also have a clip configured to engagethe second edge of the electronic unit.

In one embodiment, the base further comprises a charging receptacleconfigured to provide power to the electronic unit. In anotherembodiment, there is more than one groove, and each grove is configuredto hold the electronic unit at a different angle.

The present invention may also be described as a hands free holdingdevice. The device has a base and two flexible legs.

In this embodiment, the base has a first end, a second end, and anintermediate section. The first end is positioned on one side of theintermediate section, and the second end is positioned on a side of theintermediate section, substantially opposite to the first end. The basealso has two apertures. Each aperture extends from the first end,through the intermediate section, to the second end. The base also hasthree grooves positioned substantially parallel to each other in theintermediate section. Each groove is configured to receive a display.Each groove is configured to receive the display at a different angle.

The legs each have a first leg end and a second leg end. Each leg isconfigured to pass through an aperture in the base such that the firstleg end extends past the first end of the base, and the second leg endextends past the second end of the base/

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention holding an electronic unit;

FIG. 8 is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention havingan elastic band and clip;

FIG. 9 is a is a top-down view of one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shownin FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention can be described as a device for holding portableelectronic units. The term portable electronic units encompasses devicessuch as, but not limited to, tablet computers, e-readers, mobile phones,LCD displays, speakers, GPS units, and clocks. The portable electronicunit, in whatever form it may take, will have an edge. The edge may besquare, rounded, or beveled. The edge may have variable thickness, or asingle thickness. The thickness of the edge may vary from unit to unit.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a device 1 according to the presentinvention. The device 1 comprises a base 9. The base 9 may be made of asturdy material such as plastic or metal. Other materials may be used asknown in the art. The base 9 may be formed as a single piece orassembled from multiple pieces. For example, the base 9 may be formedfrom an upper portion and a lower portion 10. The lower portion 10 maybe attached to the base through use of an adhesive or through screws orother fastening methods. FIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate possible locations forscrews and screw covers 17. The lower portion 10 may be substantiallyflat. A flat lower portion 10 may make it more comfortable for a user toplace the device 1 above their lap.

The base 9 has a first end 11 and a second end 16 (as seen in FIGS. 2and 3). The first end 11 and the second end 16 may be the same size andshape or have different sizes or shapes. The second end 16 issubstantially opposite from the first end 11. In some embodiments, thefirst end 11 and the second end 16 are substantially parallel to eachother. The base 9 may also be curved in an arch or some other shape. Thebase 9 also has two or more apertures 8 extending through the base 9.The apertures 8 extend through the base from the first end 11 to thesecond end 16. The apertures 8 may be formed when the base 9 is formedusing two pieces. The apertures 8 may have a consistent radius throughthe base 9. In other embodiments, the apertures 8 may vary. Theapertures 8 may be a straight line or may be curved.

The base 9 also has a groove configured to receive the edge of theelectronic unit. In some embodiments there may be more than one groove13, 14, 15. The grooves 13, 14, 15 may be placed in the base at variousangles such that the electronic unit is also angled. For example, thegrooves 13, 14, 15 may be angled at 45, 90, and 135 degrees from thelower portion 10 of the base. The grooves 13, 14, 15 may be formed tohave a higher coefficient of friction with which to grab the edge of theelectronic unit. In other embodiments, frictional materials may be addedto the interior of the grooves 13, 14, 15 such as felt or rubber. Othermaterials for increasing friction are known in the art. The grooves 13,14, 15 may also be of various sizes to accommodate edges of variouselectronic units. In some embodiments, a lining may be added to alterthe size of the grooves 13, 14, 15.

The base 9 may be shaped in a number of ways to be aestheticallypleasing. For example, the grooves 13, 14, 15 may be interrupted by ahollowed out portion in the base as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In otherembodiments, the grooves 13, 14, 15 may extend from the first end 11 tothe second end 16. The base 9 may be beveled or have square edges. Thebase 9 may be rectangular, trapezoidal, or some other suitable shape.However, in some embodiments, the legs will extend from the side of thebase 9 such that the legs leave the base 9 at a plane substantiallyparallel to the viewing plane of the electronic unit.

The base 9 may also comprise fastening points 12 for anchoring aretaining mechanism for the electronic unit. The base 9 may alsocomprise a recessed portion 20 as shown in FIG. 5. The recessed portion20 may extend entirely across the base 9, or only across a portion ofthe base 9. The recessed portion 20 may be formed as to manage any cordsprotruding from the electronic unit and guide their placement.

The device also comprises two or more flexible legs 4, 7. The legs 4, 7may each have a first leg end 3, 5 and a second leg end 2, 6. The legs4, 7 also have a central portion connecting the first leg end 3, 5 andthe second leg end 2, 6. The central portion is disposed within theapertures 8 such that the first leg end 3, 5 extends past the first end11 of the base 9, and the second leg end 2, 6 extends past the secondend 16 of the base 9. The flexible legs 4, 7 are made of a material thatis both pliable and resilient such that it does not return to itsoriginal shape after being bent. The legs 4, 7 may be of variousstiffness. For example, the legs 4, 7 may be formed such that thecentral portion disposed between the first end 11 and second end 16 isstiffer than the rest of the leg 4, 7, or vice versa. The legs 4, 7 mayalso be of various lengths. The length of the legs 4, 7 may vary in thedevice 1. In one embodiment, each leg 4, 7 is 33 inches long. The legs4, 7 may be fixedly attached to the base 9. The legs 4, 7 may befrictionally attached, for example, due to the shape and contour of theapertures 8. The legs 4, 7 may also be attached through the use of anadhesive or some other means known in the art.

In another embodiment, the legs 4, 7 may remain unattached to the body9. In this embodiment, the user could adjust the length of the legs 4, 7extending past the first end 11 or the second end 16. The legs 4, 7 andapertures 8 may be formed to cause enough friction to hold the legs 4, 7in place, yet make the legs 4, 7 easy to move through the base 9 whenneeded.

In one embodiment the leg ends 2, 3, 5, 6 may be removable from the legs4, 7. For example, the leg ends 2, 3, 5, 6 may attached to the legs 4, 7with screws, or ball-and-socket joint. The leg ends 2, 3, 5, 6 may beformed in a variety of shapes. For example, the leg ends 2, 3, 5, 6 maybe suction cups for gripping solid surfaces, flat, rough, smooth,buoyant, or otherwise formed. In some embodiments, the leg ends 2, 3, 5,6 have a removable cap. The cap may be larger than the apertures 8. Inthis way, the cap can be removed from the legs 4, 7 and the legs 4, 7may be removed from the base 9. Likewise, the device could bereassembled by passing the legs 4, 7 through the apertures 8 in the base9 and reattaching the cap.

In another embodiment, the base 9 may further comprise a chargingreceptacle configured to provide power to the electronic unit.

FIG. 7 describes one embodiment of a device 40 that is holding anelectronic device 49. The device has a viewing plane 50 that faces auser using the device 40. The electronic device 49 is being held in thegroove of this device with clip 51. The clip 51 is attached to the baseof this device (not shown in FIG. 7).

FIG. 8 describes one embodiment of a device 51 that further comprises anelastic band 71. In other embodiments, the band 71 may be made fromnon-elastic material. The band 71 may be anchored to the base 54 atanchor points 62. In other embodiments, a single anchor point 62 may beused. For example, the band 71 may be an elastic ribbon that is mountedto a single anchor point 62. The anchor points 62 may be apertures inthe base 54 such that the band 71 can pass through the apertures in onedirection, but not the other. The band 71 may also be mounted to thebase 54 using an adhesive or another method known in the art. In otherembodiments, the band 71 may be a solid piece designed to support theelectronic unit.

The band 71 may have a clip 72 attached to it. The clip 72 may beconfigured to engage a second edge of the electronic unit. For example,the clip 72 may be curved or angled to match the second edge of aparticular electronic unit. When attached, the clip 72 would applydownward pressure on the electronic unit because of the elastic natureof the band 71. This pressure would increase the frictional grip of thefirst edge of the electronic unit in the groove.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a base having a first end, asecond end, and an intermediate section, the first end positioned on oneside of the intermediate section, and the second end positioned on aside of the intermediate section substantially opposite to the firstend. The base also has two apertures, each aperture extending from thefirst end, through the intermediate section, to the second end. The basealso has three grooves positioned substantially parallel to each otherin the intermediate section, each groove configured to receive adisplay. The device also comprises two flexible legs, each leg having afirst leg end and a second leg end. Each leg is configured to passthrough an aperture in the base such that the first leg end extends pastthe first end of the base, and the second leg end extends past thesecond end of the base. Each groove is configured to receive the displayat a different angle.

In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes 2 or more supportinglegs. Each leg is independently adjustable and may be made of anysuitable material or materials such that each assembled leg may bemanipulated into variable heights and/or planes while retaining theirshape after manipulation into the desired positions.

The rigidity, design, and wide footprint of the independently adjustablelegs allow for the holding of a tablet computer (or other device) in asuspended position, without having to rest the device on any part of thebody of the user. This design also creates a low center of gravity forthe device, giving it maximum stability when typing or using thetouchscreen. The independently adjustable legs are attached to the base,which can be configured for a number of uses.

In another embodiment, legs attach to a base which holds the displaysuspended in a fixed position. The legs are independently adjustable.The legs are connected to the based and may be made of any suitablematerial capable of three dimensional independent movement. The materialmay be both malleable and obedient to positional changes of the leg. Forexample, the legs may be formed using “gooseneck” flexible tubing. Insome embodiments of the device, the legs may be of various lengths. Thepresent invention may use three or more legs to hold the base in a fixedposition, where each leg can move independently of the other legs.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a base having at least threesockets, the device configured to receive a tablet computer and at leastthree articulating legs attached to the sockets of the base.

In another embodiment, end caps are placed on the ends of each leg. Forexample, these end caps may be spheres. The end caps may be formed fromthe same material as the legs or an entirely different material. The endcaps may be coated with or formed from a substance to increase frictionwith the resting surface. Other suitable shapes besides spheres may beused as well. In one embodiment, the end caps may be suction cups usedto fix a leg to a surface. In another embodiment, the end caps areconfigured to be fixedly attached, yet removable to the ends of eachleg. For example, a variety of end caps may be provided, such asspherical end caps or suction cup end caps. These end caps may beattached to the ends of the legs through use of a male/female joint,screw or other means as known in the art.

In some embodiments, the legs are securely attached to the base. Inother embodiments, the legs are detachable. For example, the legs mayconnect to the base in such a fashion that they can be removed from thebase if a suitable force is applied to each leg. In this way, the legswill detach from the base before damaging the present invention if aforce is unintentionally applied to the legs of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a top-down view of the base and legs according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the piecehas three grooves into which a tablet computer can be inserted. Thethree grooves (or slots) are angled in such a way that the tabletcomputer can be positioned in a viewing angle greater than 90 degreeswith respect to the base, 90 degrees with respect to the base (verticalfrom users perspective) and less than 90 degrees with respect to thebase (toward the user). In other embodiments the angles may bedifferent. The angles in the shown embodiment are fixed, because grovesare formed in the base to hold the tablet computer. However, in otherembodiments they may be adjustable to any tilt desired. The base in thisembodiment (FIGS. 9-10) also comprises a fitted piece (which attaches tothe top of the tablet computer) attached to a chord attached to thebase. This fitted piece provides for extra stability and security inkeeping the tablet computer mounted to the base. In other embodimentsthere may be other types of securing mechanisms or no securing mechanismat all. The base in this embodiment (FIGS. 9-10) has a gap that allowsfor buttons present on some tablet computers to be accessed. In otherembodiments, this gap may or may not be present. The base may also serveas a dock or charger for the tablet computer. In another embodiment, thedock may also serve as speakers electronically connected to the tabletcomputer.

The independent legs may hold a viewing device in an upright andstationary position in a typical user situation (for example, on a bed).In this situation, the legs are independently adjusted such that the endcaps make contact with the uneven surface width ample space between theends of the legs. This spacing allows for greater stability. The widthbetween all legs and the independent adjustability of the legs allow fora stable and hands-free holding of the tablet computer in a typicalsituation as shown, even when typing or otherwise using the touch-screeninterface of the tablet computer.

The invention may hold a tablet computer in a stable position as well ashorizontal plane, even on a substantially uneven surface. It should benoted that the legs can be adjusted in any direction to accommodate avariety of uneven surfaces while still holding the tablet computer innot only a stable position but also a horizontal viewing plane.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to one ormore particular embodiments, it will be understood that otherembodiments of the present invention may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, the presentinvention is deemed limited only by the appended claims and thereasonable interpretation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for holding portable electronic unitshaving an edge, the device comprising: a base having a first end and asecond end, the second end substantially opposite the first end and agroove configured to receive the edge of a portable electronic unit; twoor more flexible legs, each flexible leg having a first leg end, and asecond leg end, wherein the second leg end is connected to either thefirst end or the second end of the base; a band attached to the base atone or more points; and a clip attached to the band, the clip configuredto engage the edge of the portable electronic unit.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the base has a substantially flat side opposite thegroove.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the groove extends from thefirst end to the second end.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the basefurther comprises a cutout in between the first end and the second end.5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end aresubstantially parallel to each other.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe base is configured to prevent the portable electronic unit frommoving in the groove.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the band iselastic, such that the clip attached to the band applies a force on theportable electronic unit toward the groove.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the band attaches to the base at one or more points usingapertures in the base, the apertures configured to anchor the band. 9.The device of claim 1, wherein the legs are fixedly attached to thebase.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein each first leg end has aremovable cap.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the removable cap islarger than the aperture.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein theremovable cap is a suction cup.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein thebase further comprises a charging receptacle configured to provide powerto the portable electronic unit.
 14. The device of claim 1, whereinthere is more than one groove, and each groove is configured to hold theportable electronic unit at a different angle.
 15. The device of claim1, wherein the clip is curved to match the edge of the portableelectronic unit.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip is angledto engage the edge of the portable electronic unit.
 17. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the clip has a plurality of receiving surfaces, eachreceiving surface configured to receive a portion of the portableelectronic unit.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip has threereceiving surfaces configured to receive a portion of the portableelectronic unit, and wherein at least two of the receiving surfaces areconfigured to be in contact with the portable electronic unit.
 19. Ahands free holding device comprising: a base having: a first end, asecond end, and an intermediate section, the first end positioned on oneside of the intermediate section, and the second end positioned onanother side of the intermediate section substantially opposite to thefirst end; three grooves positioned substantially parallel to each otherin the intermediate section, each groove configured to receive adisplay; and one or more flexible legs, each flexible leg connected toeither the first end or the second end of the base; and a retaining unitcomprising: an elastic band attached to the base at two points; and aclip having an aperture configured to receive the elastic band, the clipconfigured to engage an edge of the display such that the retaining unitprovides a force on the edge of the display toward the base; whereineach groove is configured to receive the display at a different angle.